Paradise signs five-year deal with SPCA

July 26, 2024 The Shoreline

The Town of Paradise and the St. John’s SPCA inked a five-year animal care deal this week. On hand for the signing were, starting in the back row, from left: Deputy Mayor Kimberley Street, councillor Larry Vaters, Paradise municipal enforcement officer Claire Wiseman, and councillors Patrick Martin and Tommy Maher; in front, from left, are: SPCA Chairwoman Amanda Buis, Mayor Dan Bobbett, and Executive Director Karen Mahoney. Pictured also are ten-week-old beagle pups Cheeseball, MooMoo, and Leafy. As of printing, all three are available for adoption. Mark Squibb photo

By Mark Squibb

There were plenty of tails-a-wagging at the St. John’s animal shelter this past Tuesday, as the Town of Paradise and the SPCA inked a five-year memorandum of understanding (MOU) that will see lost pets from Paradise housed at the facility in St. John’s.
“How we treat our animals says a lot about the society in which we live,” said Paradise Mayor Dan Bobbett. “This MOU represents a commitment between Paradise and the SPCA for direct animal care and provision of a safe haven for lost or missing pets. With the signing of this MOU, any pets found by our municipal enforcement officers or by our residents will be brought here for care, and the SPCA will work to reunite them with their owners.”
Under the terms of the deal, the Town will make an annual contribution of $10,000 to the SPCA’s Way Home Campaign. Using funds raised through the campaign, the SPCA hope to build a new, regional shelter to replace the aged facility on R.C.A.F. Road near the airport.
“The organization’s current facility no longer meets their operational needs,” said Bobbett. “Every nook and cranny in the building is being utilized, and it is truly amazing to see what is being accomplished with this facility. However, it’s clear that the time has come for a new, modern building, and the Town is pleased to be able to support that endeavour.”
The SPCA and Paradise will also work together to host adoption days, nail trimming clinics, provide microchip services, and host other community events — such as kitty yoga, puppy yoga, and perhaps even goat yoga — within the town.
“Today marks a significant step forward in our mission to provide exceptional care for animals in need across Newfoundland and Labrador,” said SPCA chairwoman Amanda Buis. “This memorandum of understanding between the Town of Paradise and the SPCA St. John’s is a testament to the power of community collaboration. This MOU is the result of productive discussion and a shared vision between the SPCA and the Town of Paradise.”
Previously, lost pets found in Paradise were brought to Mount Pearl for holding before being brought to the St. John’s SPCA.

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